This Old House® West Newton Shingle-Style

A spacious, modern kitchen with white cabinetry, a large wooden island with four rattan chairs, a built-in coffee machine, and stainless steel appliances. There is a window with light coming through, and decor including bottles of wine and a bowl of vegetables on the island.

The Challenge

This West Newton Shingle-style Victorian had beautiful historic details, but felt heavy and segmented. The homeowners — a business owner and her husband, along with their two kids and dog — needed it to function for modern family life while honoring the architecture.

They'd worked with us before and trusted us to get it right.

The Solution

Process

Rather than decorating strictly to the period, we designed for today while respecting the home's historic bones. We preserved the dark wood in the formal front rooms and transitioned to painted wood in the back and kitchen — lightening the mood and creating flow between traditional architecture and contemporary family living.

Results

By blending cherished antiques with thoughtfully chosen new pieces, the result feels balanced, livable, and effortlessly timeless. This home appeared on This Old House®, showcasing how historic charm and modern life can coexist beautifully. A home rooted in history, perfectly suited for today's living.

Transitional living room with ivory sofas, green rug, and gold drapes in a high-end traditional home featured on This Old House.
Traditional oak staircase with floral runner, brass sconces, and stained glass windows in a home featured on This Old House.
Master bathroom with custom wood vanity, double sinks, and transom windows featured on This Old House.
Primary bedroom with patterned upholstered headboard, silk drapes, and mirrored nightstands featured on This Old House.
Living room detail with white lamp, gold vase, and silk drapes on a round wood side table featured on This Old House.
Kitchen with a large wooden island, surrounded by four wicker chairs with black cushions. The kitchen has white cabinets, a built-in coffee maker, oven, and microwave. There are bottles of wine, a bowl of artichokes, and some fruits on the island. Pe
Family room with sofa, fireplace, and view into dining eating area in kitchen in a traditional home featured on This Old House.
Kitchen eating area with built-in bench, bay windows, and spindle-back chairs and antique light fixture in a traditional home featured on This Old House.

“20 years of working with Abbey and she has still got it! From lighting to decor to decisions on renovations and kitchen updates she has designed, improved, referred contractors and managed all with intelligence, taste and a bit of humor. Highly recommend.”

-- This Old House Client

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